Middle College senior combines campus journalism with accelerated academics
By: Brian Dunn February 6, 2025
Abigail McKenna balances three roles at Austin Peay State University: she's a Middle College senior, an Austin Peay sophomore and a staff writer for The All State student newspaper. By spring, she'll earn her associate degree before receiving her high school diploma.
Austin Peay's innovative dual enrollment programs offer high school students unique opportunities to accelerate their education and immerse themselves in college life.
The GovNow Dual Enrollment Program allows high school students to take college courses and pursue a full associate degree. Within this program, Middle College is a selective option for high-achieving students to take all their classes on Austin Peay's campus while completing high school requirements.
Austin Peay's GovNow program allows high school students to earn college credits while completing high school requirements. All dual enrollment students, whether part of Middle College or not, have the opportunity to pursue a full associate degree. The program offers flexible options including on-campus classes, online courses, and college classes at local high schools. Thanks to Tennessee's Dual Enrollment Grant program, students can take up to five courses at no cost, with partial funding for additional classes.
Balancing Academics and Journalism
As a Middle College student, McKenna takes primarily college courses while completing her high school requirements.
"I get to pick what I want to take," McKenna said. "I have the room to explore my options a lot more than a lot of people before I really decide on something."
Beyond academics, McKenna has immersed herself in campus life through her role at The All State. Now in her second year as a staff writer, she credits the experience with broadening her horizons.
"I've met so many people, including being here right now," McKenna said. "I don't think I ever would have been so involved and have made so many connections had I not joined."
Working with Michael Dann, student publications and communications coordinator, McKenna has developed her journalistic writing skills while pushing beyond her comfort zone.
"I've been able to learn about a whole new writing style," she said. "It's made me have to learn how to walk up to someone and ask them questions."
When she's not writing for The All State or attending classes, McKenna works at Frontline Games and transports her younger sister, who attends Northwest High School's Health Science Academy. Her busy schedule previews the full college experience she'll pursue after graduating next spring.
Her favorite assignments for The All State was covering a Halloween haunted campus tour last year.
"I had a photographer there to take pictures, and they ended up being really fun," McKenna said. "It really reassured me that I made the right choice joining The All State because it was so much fun to do."
McKenna is working on stories that matter to the campus community, including coverage of an upcoming suicide prevention awareness walk hosted by the Health and Counseling Center. Each assignment brings new opportunities to connect with university life.
The Impact of Middle College
McKenna's experience differs from traditional dual enrollment students at Austin Peay. As part of the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System's Middle College program, she takes both her college and remaining high school classes on Austin Peay's campus. The selective program, available through application to CMCSS high school students, offers ambitious students like McKenna the opportunity to immerse themselves in university life while completing their high school requirements.
The Middle College program exemplifies Austin Peay's commitment to providing advanced educational opportunities for high-achieving students. By allowing students to complete their high school diploma and associate degree simultaneously, the program accelerates their academic progress and provides a seamless transition to university life.
While McKenna is still exploring potential majors and universities for her bachelor's degree, she's grateful for the early exposure to college life that Middle College and The All State have provided.
"I always love learning," McKenna said. "It's really cool to be able to learn so much and be on such an accelerated pathway."
McKenna's story highlights the unique advantages of Austin Peay's dual enrollment programs:
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Academic acceleration: All dual enrollment students can earn college credits or even an associate degree while still in high school.
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College readiness: Early exposure to university coursework and campus life prepares students for future academic success.
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Exploration: Students have the flexibility to explore various subjects and potential career paths.
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Cost savings: The Tennessee Dual Enrollment Grant and Austin Peay scholarships make these programs more accessible to students.
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Extracurricular opportunities: Participation in campus activities like The All State provides valuable experiences beyond the classroom.
Students interested in dual enrollment opportunities at Austin Peay can learn more about the GovNow program at apsu.edu/govnow. Students typically need a 3.0 high school GPA or 21 ACT composite score to qualify. The program offers various pathways to earn college credit while in high school, including the opportunity for all dual enrollment students to pursue a full associate degree. Middle College is one specialized option within the broader GovNow program.
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